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What is the spinous process of C7?

What is the spinous process of C7?

Upon lowering the head, the spinous process (SP) of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) of humans bulges to the skin and forms a significant eminence on the back of the neck. The C7 is usually identified by a long, club-shaped and unbranched SP (1–3), referred to as vertebra prominens (4).

Why does C7 have a long spinous process?

A more prominent spinous process is present in C7, which is also known as vertebra prominens. This process (a bony protrusion or hump) can be felt at the base of the neck and provides attachment to more neck muscles compared to the other cervical vertebrae.

What are the features of the seventh cervical vertebrae?

C7 possesses the standard cervical vertebral features but has some distinct features: spinous process ends in a rounded tubercle and is not bifid. C7 transverse foramina are small, and do not transmit the vertebral artery.

Which cervical vertebrae have spinous process?

C3-C7
It is made up of 7 vertebrae. The first 2, C1 and C2, are highly specialized and are given unique names: atlas and axis, respectively. C3-C7 are more classic vertebrae, having a body, pedicles, laminae, spinous processes, and facet joints.

What happens when you break C7 vertebrae?

Individuals with a complete C7 spinal cord injury will not be able to move or feel their trunk or lower body, and will also have some impairments in their hands/fingers. This will affect: Bladder and bowel movements. The inability to control these reflexes and muscle contractions can make you very prone to accidents.

What is special with C7 vertebrae?

Unlike the other cervical vertebrae, the C7 has a large spinous process that protrudes posteriorly toward the skin at the back of the neck. This spinous process can be easily seen and felt at the base of the neck, making it a prominent landmark of the skeleton (giving the C7 the name vertebra prominens).

What is unique about C7?

Unlike the other cervical vertebrae, the C7 has a large spinous process that protrudes posteriorly toward the skin at the back of the neck. This spinous process can be easily seen and felt at the base of the neck, making it a prominent landmark of the skeleton and giving the C7 the name vertebra prominens.

Is C7 spinous process bifid?

C7 spinous process was monofid in 99.2% of cases, partially bifid in 0.5% of cases, and bifid in 0.3% of cases. T1 was monofid in all cases. A truly bifid C7 spinous process occurs 0.3% of the time and therefore is not a reliable landmark for choosing fusion levels.

Why is C7 atypical?

C7 may be considered typical or atypical but has two distinct features. The first is that unlike the rest of the cervical vertebrae, is that the vertebral artery does not traverse the transverse foramen. The second is that it contains a long spinous process, also known as “vertebra prominens.”

Which vertebra does not have a spinous process?

The first cervical vertebra, atlas, is unique in the sense that it possesses neither a body nor spinous process. It consists of an anterior and posterior arch extending between two lateral masses, forming a closed triangular ‘ring’ that accommodates the brainstem.

Can you walk after a C7 fracture?

Some patients can take a few weeks to regain the ability to walk, while others take several months or longer.

How long does a broken C7 take to heal?

It is usually a very stable fracture and does not produce any neurologic deficits. It typically heals with 6-8 weeks of relative rest with no further treatment being needed in most cases.

What happens when C7 is damaged?

What happens if you fracture your C7?

Paralysis in the legs, torso, and/or hands. Inability to control nerves that impact wrist extension. Inability to control bladder and bowel function. Ability to speak, but breathing may be taxed.

What is unusual about the 7th cervical vertebra?

What does C7 control?

Cervical nerve 7 controls your triceps and wrist extensor muscles. C7 provides sensation to the back of your arm into your middle finger. Cervical nerve 8 controls your hands and gives sensation to the pinky side of your hand and forearm.

What is special about C7?